In case there was any doubt that the annual announcements of literary prizes can yield high drama, a finalist for the National Book Awards curtly withdrew from the shortlist on Monday, five days after she was mistakenly named a finalist by the National Book Foundation.

Lauren Myracle, an author of young-adult literature, was named to the shortlist last Wednesday for her book, “Shine,” a novel about the experience of a gay teenager who is the victim of a hate crime. Shortly afterward the National Book Foundation corrected itself, saying that Ms. Myracle’s book was not meant to be a finalist but that it would stay on the five-book shortlist anyway. The foundation then added a sixth book, “Chime,” by Franny Billingsley, originally intended to be a finalist.

On Friday the foundation reversed itself, calling Ms. Myracle to ask her to withdraw from consideration, she said in a statement on Monday.

“I was over the moon last week after receiving the call telling me that ‘Shine’ was a finalist for the award,” Ms. Myracle said. “I was later informed that ‘Shine’ had been included in error, but would remain on the list based on its merits. However, on Friday I was asked to withdraw by the National Book Foundation to preserve the integrity of the award and the judges’ work, and I have agreed to do so.” “Shine” was published in May by Amulet Books, part of Abrams.

The winners of the National Book Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Manhattan on Nov. 16, hosted by the actor and author John Lithgow. To be eligible for an award a book must have been written by a citizen of the United States.

Harold Augenbraum, the executive director of the National Book Foundation, said in a brief interview that he could not comment on why the initial decision to keep Ms. Myracle as a finalist had been changed. “The whole thing is a regrettable incident and I wish it hadn’t happened,” Mr. Augenbraum said. “I feel terrible personally, and I feel terrible for Lauren.”

At Ms. Myracle’s urging the National Book Foundation will make a $5,000 donation to the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which advocates for gay youths, promoting dignity and acceptance.

Mr. Augenbraum declined to explain how the mistake was made, saying that it was “an internal question.”
“Believe me, it won’t happen again,” he said.